South Shire

The place is a cute little boutique B&B, though breakfast isn't part of the stay. Our bed and bathroom were clean, and the room itself was adorable. But the night we arrived, around 5, the front steps and porch were completely unlit. The entrance was nearly dark except for a lamp that kept flickering, and our key was sitting on a desk. The stairs to the second floor had no lights until the landing at the top. We were also short on basics: no hand soap, hand towel, or washcloth, and just one bath towel for two people. It was freezing in the room. There was a fireplace, but no duralog as advertised, only a tiny space heater. We weren't comfortable leaving it on overnight, so we stayed cold. We didn't mention any of this when checking out, assuming it was a small place doing its best. Then the day after we got home, an $11 winter heating surcharge appeared on my card. When I asked about it, that's what they said it was for. I don't understand why it wasn't included in the reservation price, and charging it after we'd left felt like poor service. It's not a huge amount, but after the missing supplies and lack of heat, it felt like being nickeled and dimed. Ask about extra charges before you book, and bring your own supplies.

We had a very quiet weekend during the day, so this could be a nice choice if you're after somewhere peaceful and relaxing. The house is beautiful inside, with lovely beams and decor, and I liked imagining what it might have been like to live there back in the day. We stayed in the Gold Room, a huge, attractive room at the top of some very steep stairs. The bed was comfortable and the fireplace added a romantic touch. It was also quite cold, though the owner had supplied a space heater. The room doesn't have an en suite bathroom, but the bathroom assigned to it is private. There isn't a TV or refrigerator, which would've been handy. We didn't eat at the restaurant, though it has a good rating.

We booked the Peach Room for a trip to XC ski at Prospect Mountain, but the weather didn't cooperate. We still had a good time around Bennington and Manchester. The room had a comfy bed and a huge bathroom, and even when temperatures dropped to single digits one night, I stayed warm. The place is quirky and adorable, and a great value. There's a shared space between the restaurant and lobby with a fireplace, piano, and tea and coffee bar. I enjoyed sitting by the fire with tea. The owner was really nice and easy to chat with. We also had dinner at Taan one night, and it was the best Thai food I've ever had.

We stayed in the Otto Suite, which was both lovely and comfortable. The fireplace was easy to use since duraflame logs and a lighter were provided. Breakfast the next morning was lovely too. The South Shire Inn is close enough to walk to the downtown shops. I'd happily recommend it.